12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: In a region known for

Question

12 Days of Christmas 🎅 GMAT Competition with Lots of Questions & Fun

In a region known for its unique flora, scientists have discovered a new plant species. This species shares characteristics with both Verdantleaf, which is native to the eastern part of the region, and Sunbloom, which is predominant in the western part. It is uncertain whether this new plant species evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Which of the following, if found in the area where the new plant species was discovered, would best help in determining whether the plant is an independent species or a hybrid of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom?

(A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf
(B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
(C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
(D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
(E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom

Bunuel · Accepted Answer

GMAT Club's Official Explanation:

E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.
 - This choice provides the most direct evidence to determine the nature of the new plant species. If the seeds of the new species have a genetic composition that is distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom, it strongly suggests that the new species is not a hybrid but rather an independent species. This directly addresses the question of whether the new plant is an independent evolution or a hybrid.

The other options, while relevant, do not provide as conclusive evidence as (E):

A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf.
 - Similarity to Verdantleaf could suggest a relationship, but it would not conclusively determine whether the new plant is a hybrid or an independent species.

B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.
 - While this shows potential for intermingling, it does not provide direct genetic evidence about the nature of the new species.

C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.
 - This option addresses environmental conditions but does not directly help in determining the genetic origins of the new plant species.

D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.
 - This could provide historical context but does not offer conclusive evidence about the genetic status of the new plant in comparison to Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Therefore, (E) is the best answer as it directly addresses the genetic distinction of the new plant species, providing the most conclusive evidence regarding its independent status or its nature as a hybrid.

Shwetamed · Answer

E.
seeds showing distinct genetic makeup from both plant species confirms independent nature of the new plant species

A. evidence of only one species
B. doesn't confirm anything
C. doesn't confirm anything
D. fossils doesn't signify present time species

DongTan · Answer

Option (A) suggests finding pollen grains with a genetic makeup similar to Verdantleaf. While this information may be interesting, it does not directly address whether the new plant species is an independent species or a hybrid.

Option (B) provides a geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom. While this information may indicate the possible occurrence of intermingling, it does not directly help in determining whether the new plant species is an independent species or a hybrid.

Option (C) mentions soil samples containing nutrients favorable for the growth of both Verdantleafand Sunbloom. While this may indicate the presence of suitable conditions for both species, it does not directly address the question of whether the new plant species is an independent species or a hybrid.

Option (D) discusses fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom. While interesting from an evolutionary perspective, it does not provide direct evidence about the origin of the new plant species.

Therefore, option (E) is the most helpful in determining whether the new plant species is an independent species or a hybrid by examining the genetic composition of the seeds and confirming if it is distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Archit3110 · Answer

new species of flora shares characteristics with both Verdantleaf, which is native to the eastern part of the region, and Sunbloom, which is predominant in the western part. 
It is uncertain whether this new plant species  evolved independently in the ar ea where it was found or whether i t is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Which of the following, if found in the area where the new plant species was discovered, would best help in determining whether the plant is an independent species or a hybrid of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom?

(A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf  does not help in determining the target 
 (B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom  not sufficient evidence 
 (C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom  we are discussing about a hybrid not independent flowers
 (D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom  flower is new discovery and there is no relevance of flower with fossil
 (E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom  strong evidence

OPTION E

missionmba2025 · Answer

(A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf

Just by getting the genetic makeup similar to Verdantleaf we will not be able to determine whether this new plant species evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom. Eliminate

(B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom

Even if have a geographic map showing the overlap, the plans might have not intermingled at all. Hence, this information cannot help address the point. Eliminate.

(C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom

Similar to B. The soil requirement of the hybrid plant could be very different. Hence, this information doesn't help us resolve the ambiguity. Eliminate.

(D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom

Even if we get this, we wouldn't know if the fossil remain itself evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom. Eliminate.

(E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom

This is correct. If the genetic composition is distinct we can conclude that the hybrid has not resulted from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom otherwise it has.

IMO E

Kinshook · Answer

In a region known for its unique flora, scientists have discovered a new plant species. This species shares characteristics with both Verdantleaf, which is native to the eastern part of the region, and Sunbloom, which is predominant in the western part. It is uncertain whether this new plant species evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Which of the following, if found in the area where the new plant species was discovered, would best help in determining whether the plant is an independent species or a hybrid of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom?

There is no relationship between pollen grains and genetic makeup of the new plant species.
Incorrect

There is no relationship between genetic makeup of the new plant species and the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
Incorrect

There is no relationship between genetic makeup of the new plant species and the soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
Incorrect

There is no relationship between fossilized remains of an ancestral plant and genetic makeup of the new plant species.
Incorrect

If the seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom, then it can be concluded that this new plant species evolved independently in the area. 
Correct

IMO E

rd1009 · Answer

In a region known for its unique flora, scientists have discovered a new plant species. This species shares characteristics with both Verdantleaf, which is native to the eastern part of the region, and Sunbloom, which is predominant in the western part. It is uncertain whether this new plant species evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Which of the following, if found in the area where the new plant species was discovered, would best help in determining whether the plant is an independent species or a hybrid of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom?

(A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf
 intermingling aspect can't be verified since only similarity with Verdantleaf species has been highlighted

(B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
 overlapping habitats may have certain deviations also, doesn't assist determination of the plant type

(C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
 Soil samples' nutrient content will not assist determination of plant species, rather will support or reduce the plantation

(D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
 ancestral plant may or may not be of the same type..hence doesn't assist detemination
 
(E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
  Seeds of the plant species highlighting genetic composition will clearly assist the determination of the variety of the partcular plant species, whether hybrid or not

( E) is the answer

DG1989 · Answer

In a region known for its unique flora, scientists have discovered a new plant species. This species shares characteristics with both Verdantleaf, which is native to the eastern part of the region, and Sunbloom, which is predominant in the western part. It is uncertain whether this new plant species evolved independently in the area where it was found or whether it is a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom.

Which of the following, if found in the area where the new plant species was discovered, would best help in determining whether the plant is an independent species or a hybrid of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom?

(A) Pollen grains that have a genetic makeup similar to that of Verdantleaf
  Explanation:   This option indicates the presence of Verdantleaf in the area, not hybridization. It doesn't necessarily mean the new plant is a hybrid of Verdantleaf.   INCORRECT

(B) A geographic map showing the overlapping habitats of Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
  Explanation:   This option can explain the possibility of cross-pollination between Verdantleaf and Sunbloom, but it doesn't provide concrete evidence of hybridization in the new plant.   INCORRECT

(C) Soil samples containing nutrients known to be favorable for the growth of both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
  Explanation:   This option doesn't directly address the new plant's origin or genetic makeup. While the soil type and nutrients might influence growth, they are not conclusive for determining species or hybridization.   INCORRECT

(D) Fossilized remains of an ancestral plant that shares traits with both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
  Explanation:   This option presents information about an ancestral plant but does not provide information about the genetic composition of the new species.   INCORRECT

(E) Seeds of the new plant species that show a genetic composition distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom
  Explanation:   This option provides the necessary evidence. By examining the genetic composition of the new plant species, as indicated by its seeds, scientists can determine whether it shares genetic traits solely with Verdantleaf and Sunbloom or if it possesses a distinct genetic makeup. If the seeds show a genetic composition that is distinct from both Verdantleaf and Sunbloom, it suggests that the new plant species is an independent species. Conversely, if the genetic composition of the seeds aligns closely with Verdantleaf and Sunbloom, it indicates that the new species is likely a hybrid resulting from the intermingling of the two plants.   CORRECT

Option E   is the right answer.

12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: In a region known for

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12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 7: In a region known for

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